The ArmaLite AR-18 is a gas-powered assault rifle designed to fire NATO 5.56x45mm rounds. Arthur Miller and his partners created the AR-18 at ArmaLite in California in 1963 as a replacement for the Colt AR-15 design, a version of which the US military had just designated as the M16. The production license for the AR-18 was sold to companies in Japan and the United Kingdom.
History
Limited production of the AR-18 was conducted at ArmaLite's Costa Mesa, California, machine facility and headquarters. Later, between 1969 and 1972, the AR-180, a semi-automatic variant of the AR-18, was manufactured for the civilian market. Hand-fitting is often evident in the Costa Mesa AR-18 and AR-180 rifles, as ArmaLite was never equipped to produce small guns.
Design
The AR-18 rifle is far more traditional than earlier ArmaLite designs, even if it makes use of the recent stamped steel construction. Above the barrel, a short-stroke gas piston powers the AR-18's action. The gas piston is designed in three parts to make disassembly easier. A stainless steel gas block that protrudes backward from the forward housing is encircled by a hollow forward section with four radial gas vent holes. The piston moves a short distance as the gas is released from the barrel and enters the hollow front section of the piston through a vent in the foresight housing. When the piston's rear end makes contact with the bolt carrier's forward face through the barrel extension, the bolt carrier moves rearward as a result.
Specifications
Performance
The rifle demonstrated exceptional accuracy and dependability over all distances, up to 460 meters. It was equipped with a foldable plastic butt and was chambered for the 5.56x45mm round. Additionally, magazines were available in counts of 20, 30, and 40 rounds, and the system indicated a 700–800 round per minute cycle of fire.
Features
- Take Action Bolt spinning and piston with short stroke
- Fire rate: 750 rounds per minute.
- Muzzle speed: approximately 3,250 feet per second (991 meters per second).
- Feed system: detachable box magazine with 20–40 rounds; STANAG magazines (AR-18B).
Variants
The standard variants of the AR-18 produced by Sterling, Howa, and ArmaLite differ only slightly. While Sterling rifles had two finishes (a black, glossy enamel-painted finish for serial numbers S15001 through S20000).
Pros
- It has a smaller gas/recoil system than the more well-known AR-15 and a stamped steel receiver, which is less expensive than a cast or forged receiver.
- Since its compact recoil spring assembly makes it ideal for bullpup rifles, this system has been duplicated numerous times.
- Although there are more and less well-known imitators, the Steyr AUG and Enfield L85 are two of the most well-known.
Cons
- After testing the gun in mud and sand, the British Ministry of Defense determined it was not up to par.
- It has a loose folding stock, which gave rise to issues after prolonged use.
Price
The AR-18 is priced at Rs. 8,28,825 lakh to Rs. 9,94,590 lakh and is duly licenced and registered with the NFA.
Tags
Guns